Kane's Krusade dog house project aids canines, supports owners

Donna Hyland and Pat Pafumi, volunteers with Kane's Krusade, stabilize a support beam before nailing it into the frame of the dog house they're building. Photo by Staasi Heropoulos

LUDLOW - Valerie Vigorita was looking for a way to help dogs and their owners, and she really nailed it by building dog houses recently with Kane's Krusade.

"I love animals, and I want to do anything I can to help. I wouldn't say I'm a builder but I am now - I'm learning," Vigorita said.

Founded in January, Kane's Krusade is a nonprofit organization that so far this year has used some $10,000 in donations along with scores of volunteers to advance its mission.

"Our mission is to improve the quality of life of dogs in Greater Springfield," said Kim George, founder and president of Kane's Krusade.

Kane's mission is built on three pillars: awareness, stabilization and prevention.

On a late fall day, George and her team of volunteers built dog houses - fully insulated, with a unique design that included a partial wind wall near the entrance to block drafts.
"We don't advocate (that) dogs live outside; however, the reality is there are lots of dogs that do in Western Massachusetts and everywhere," said George. "A lot of times it's a cultural thing where people don't see their dogs as living in the home. Sometimes the landlord won't allow it."

With the region now entering its coldest season of the year, raising the roof on dog houses has become a critical mission for Kane's crusaders. On this one day, the group raised $2,500, built six dog houses and insulated two others.

Kane's Krusade works with regional animal shelters to make sure the dog houses get to people and dogs in need.

"We believe dogs are family, but we are nonjudgmental. We're not interested in making people good or bad. We're interested in helping the dog," said George.

Awareness is another pillar of Kane's mission. The group works to educate the public and shatter what it calls misunderstandings about pit bulls, rottweilers, Doberman pinschers and German shepherds.

"A misunderstood dog is any dog that's negatively labeled based on their appearance, not their behavior," said George.

The dog houses were part of a kit that supports the organization's third pillar. "We provide care kits to help needy families take care of their dogs in difficult times," said George.

"When a family needs help, maybe they're challenged financially or they need education. They love their dog and want to help. We match them with 'Krew' members assigned to work with them," said George.

Kane's Krusade also has arranged for families and their dogs to be given free or discounted access to flea and tick treatments, spay and neutering, vaccinations and other resources. Eventually, Kane's Krusade wants to build its organization and travel into the hardest hit neighborhoods, working directly with pet owners and their dogs.